Court rejects bid to keep notorious paedophile Colin Humphrys in jail

The bid to stop the release of notorious South Australian paedophile Colin Humphrys into the community has failed, leaving the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to rely on new legislation to keep him behind bars.

This morning, the Full Court of Criminal Appeal dismissed an appeal by the DPP, Adam Kimber, to prevent Humphrys' release on licence to the Bowden-Brompton area in Adelaide's inner north-west.

The 66-year-old has served multiple jail terms for abusing young boys. (Supplied/The Advertiser) (The Advertiser)Colin Humphrys' parole has been upheld by the Full Court of Criminal Appeal. (File image) (9NEWS)

However, last week SA Parliament passed new laws which prevents the release of convicted sex offenders who can't control their urges; expert medical evidence has indicated Humphrys, who has an extensive history of offending, would not pass that test.

The DPP, Adam Kimber, told the media he is likely to release a statement, which will outline any next steps.

With Humphrys now scheduled to be freed within 14 days, Mr Kimber says he will decide by Thursday if he will seek to use the new provisions, which apply to anyone unwilling or unable to control their sexual instincts.

"The amendments also give me the ability to make an application to have the release on licence of anyone previously released re-considered by the Supreme Court," the director said in a statement.

Humphrys was originally cleared for release earlier this year by Supreme Court Justice Trish Kelly but the DPP sought to overturn her ruling.

However, the Court of Criminal Appeal decided today that the original decision should stand.

Chief Justice Chris Kourakis and justices Ann Vanstone and Kevin Nicholson said Justice Kelly had acknowledged the high risk Humphrys would reoffend, but had found the conditions imposed by the Parole Board would minimise the likelihood.

The measures imposed included electronic GPS monitoring and the intense supervision of a corrections officer.

Following that ruling, Mr Kimber said he was "obliged to carefully consider a number of matters".

"Most importantly, not only the new legislation and all relevant material available to me with respect to Mr Humphrys, but also the judgment handed down today."

Humphrys has an extensive history of sexual offending against children dating back to the 1980s, including the abduction and abuse of a boy in the early 1990s and the 2003 sexual assault of a boy in a toilet block.